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Arm & cartridge combo for Basis Debut ?

After being in storage for the past 2 years, I've once again set up my Basis Debut Mk III TT. It's the non-vacuum version with a Graham 1.5 arm & ZYX Airy 2x cartridge.

It certainly sounds better than my digital system, but I can't help but wonder if anyone's come upon a significantly better arm/cart combo. I asked a similar question when I first bought the table used in 2005, but back then I was just looking for an affordable temporary cart to go with the Graham. There have been many new carts & probably arms introduced in the last 5 years, so I thought I'd ask again.

Anyone had a similar set-up and gone to a Basis Vector arm? Or would a Graham 2.2 provide a significant improvement over the 1.5? The Graham Phantom is probably more than I want to spend right now. My budget for a cart is $2k.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.
kenl
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
A.J. told me he liked the older series Graham better than the Phantom. I have a 1.5 that has been upgraded to 2.2 and it is very good; I bought it that way so I don't know what it sounded like before the upgrade. I use a AT EV33 on my 2001/2.2.
kenl OP
131 posts
 
Stanwal - I wasn't aware that a 1.5 could be upgraded to a 2.2. I'll contact Bob Graham and see how much it would cost. Thanks for the info.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
The Graham 2.2 is definitely better than the 1.5 version. I had that 2.2 and various Zyx carts. These Airy carts are good, when you want to go for something different, try to find a used Triplanar Arm. It is a good match. The table itself is very good, you can leave it the way it is now, and go for a good Phonostage instead. Could be the best investment.
samhar
1,048 posts
 
If you are thinking about the Vector arm you'll need a new arm board, you might talk to A.J. about the cost!!! $1000 + $280 drilling ?
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
The difference between Graham 1.5 and 2.0 is, the later one offers greater bass extension and solidity, increased dynamics and a expanded soundstage.
The high frequencies are detailed and extended, yet remain very neutral and totally natural. The bass extension reaches to the first octave with authority & detail; yet, it is not overblown or diffuse. Similarly, the midrange is liquid and natural, but without the smearing that can create a false sense of midrange "sweetness".

Most think, it can be easily upgraded, but this is wrong. You can buy the tungsten weights and the bearing cup and the better armtube (SW-3).
But the real difference with Model 2:
The main pivot housing has been redesigned, and corporates tungsten as the material instead of the previous aluminum alloy.
The VTA adjustment has 2 scales, one is the vertical indicator previously offered on the 1.5 Arms, while the second indicator is a vernier scale on the adjusting knob. Better VTA adjustments during playing.

The next generation Armwand incorporates an even denser ceramic material, signal wires are totally shielded.
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